2008 in Review

Wow! What a year. 2008 will for us, forever be the year of celebration. First, our second son Jordon graduated from Maranatha Christian Academy. Secondly, our oldest son Brandon married Jenna in September and then our first-born daughter Brieanna married Michael in November. What a whirlwind it was. Yes, there was some stress involved but God provided a way. We also got a ton of help and support from friends and family … we love you guys!

We did a little traveling in 2008, with forays to Montana, New York City and frequent outings "up north." As for me, I continue at SunGard in business development and product management. Starr works part-time at a local dental office. Brie works part-time at our church and is finishing her MnTC credits – she plans on attending the University of Minnesota next fall. Her new husband is busy running his own outdoor servicing business. Brandon is creative director for Go Ministries, and Jenna assists him ably in these efforts. Jordon is on the road with Go Ministries as well. He’s doing a terrific job and really learning about life in the Spirit. Mariah is in the eight grade at Maranatha and just won a lead role in the spring play. We still have two dogs in the house - I'm not sure why.

We are so grateful for our children, their spouses and the extended family we’ve been blessed with. In the things that truly matter, God has given in abundance. Starr and I wish you and yours the very best in 2009.

“And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus. Philippians 4:7”

Happy Holidazzle!

One of our longest standing Christmas traditions is the annual trek to the Holidazzle parade (and my personal favorite ... the obligatory warming stop at Caribou). The parade doesn't seem to change much but the family sure does. Here are all the kids (the 2008 edition includes two new ones) after a brisk round of boot skating at the Orchestra Hall rink. Thanks again Bill and Mariann for being a part of this celebration for so many years. Let's get home and eat some miniature wieners!

Trans-Siberian Christmas

A bit of a Christmas tradition for us, we journeyed once again to the Xcel Energy Center for the phenomenon that is the Trans-Siberian Orchestra. Courtesy my cell phone, here is Andrew Ross belting-out the evening's first vocal selection, An Angel Came Down. The fourth-row seats were a treat (although guitar hero Al Pitrelli kept winking at Starr). It was such a delight to have Dave and Mary with us this year ... the future is bright my friends! Three hours of non-stop Beethoven hits Broadway and signs-up Metallica. This show just keeps getting bigger, better, and more bombastic every year. Fire, fire everywhere! The evening's highlight was definitely Broadway veteran Bart Shatto's rendition of Old City Bar (he had us in tears). This second photo is a promotional shot that better shows-off some of the band's hardware. Absolutely amazing! The bootleg YouTube video of Mad Russian's Christmas found below was shot on another leg of the tour but it does give you a decent feel for the event.

Thanksgiving 2008

We are so grateful for God's many blessings this Thanksgiving. In the space of only a couple months, we've been given a wonderful new daughter and a terrific new son. Wow! That is so cool ... thank you Lord. Here is the ever growing crew at grandma's house (and our very special guests, Brandon and Missy - don't worry, we'll be doing it again before you know it!).

Classic Wedding

Brie and Michael’s wedding day was stunning. A classic blend of sophistication and simplicity … just like she wanted. The Living Word chapel was subtly lit in lush rose hues and gorgeous florals. Pastor Jim Hammond gave a message that was practical, personal, and funny, stressing daily times of prayer together and quality, two-way communication. My brother contributed a heartfelt prayer of blessing. After the ceremony, hundreds of attendees were treated to a cupcake reception featuring Glenn Miller and Count Basie swing tunes and a photo montage by yours truly. Those coconut cupcakes were amazing. After mingling with the celebrants, the wedding party visited the Walker Art Center conservatory for more photos and then on to the Semple Mansion for an intimate dinner reception with family and friends. The Semple certainly lived-up to its reputation as “the” classic Twin Cities wedding venue. The attendees enjoyed dinner and dancing in the ballroom and mingled through this historic building’s four levels. The coffee bar in the reception room was a monster hit and Mark Yanni’s small big band orchestra provided swing standards well into the evening. The band’s smooth jazz was a delight to all! The pink chocolate fountain was very popular. Photography by SoulCam (UPDATE: To view the proofs, link here and enter a password of 'Harrison'). At evening’s end, the new couple made their way to the Saint Paul Hotel for a little “we” time (thanks Brandon/Missy and Brandon/Jenna for making it happen). A romantic 5-day Caribbean cruise to Key West, Cozumel, and Belize will commence on Monday morning (lucky skunks). The couple will be making their home in Plymouth, Minnesota.

For me, it was a day of mixed emotions but above all I’m thankful for God’s rich blessings - I'm the luckiest guy in the world. A wife that I respect and adore. Great kids, with hearts for ministry ... the sky is the limit! Kudos to all the great volunteers who made this a relatively easy day for Starr and I ... especially Bill and Mariann, the ushering staff, Laci, Christine, and the Go Ministries gals. Mike and Kristy ... we love you and so look forward to watching these kids blossom before us. God has so much in store of them. In the meantime, I think I'll take a little break from weddings.

Anyone want some photos? Select the slideshow immediately below or link to my Picasa album and check-em out (you might like the Slideshow mode). You can view em on-line or download them directly to your PC (and you don't even need to be a member of one of those fancy social networking things).

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Texas Ho-Down

Following Brie and Michael's rehearsal, Mike and Kristy treated the wedding party to a good old fashioned Texas Ho-Down. With great southern-style comfort food and a professional line dancing team in attendance, a root'n toot'n hee-haw was had by all. Thank you guys!

Two more days and I give my daughter away. I think I need to write a speech. For more photos, link to my 2008 Wedding Two Picasa album.

Fairytale Wedding

A glorious cloudless sky and warm temperatures provided the backdrop to Brandon and Jenna's romantic wedding celebration this weekend. Jenna was absolutely stunning and the event (held at Weddings of Wayzata) seemed to go-off without a hitch. Great food (loved that buffalo cheese dip), great memories, wonderful friends and a glorious start to their new life together. Pastor Steve Munds provided an uplifting charge to the attendees, and my brother, Pastor Steve Harrison provided a number of components as well. Later, Brian Brink and crew treated the celebrants to terrific outdoor music well into the evening and who can forget Brandon’s surprise wedding song to Jenna – what a moment that was! Not a dry eye in the place (I mean amphitheatre). The subtle candlelit walkways were particularly stunning as the evening fell over this lovely property. The layout, the atmosphere, was absolutely magical.

Kudos to Jim and Dee for hosting such a fabulous event. You guys are the best of friends - we love you and look forward to the future that we now share together. Many thanks to Go Ministries for helping with set-up and tear-down, long into the night. Fantastic imagery by Michelle's Photography. After an evening at the Saint Paul Hotel, a honeymoon week on Madeline Island is planned. The couple will be making their home in Mora, Minnesota. See more photos here. For Starr and I, one down, one to go.

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Block Party!

Following Brandon and Jenna's rehearsal, the wedding party was treated to a festive block party at our home. Catering by Famous Dave's, a Coke trailer, popcorn, cotton candy and ever popular drinks by Dunn Brothers were provided for the sixty-plus attendees throughout the evening. As the sun set, the attendees enjoyed s'mores by the fire and three movies in our impromptu lawn theatre. Volleyball until 1:00 AM and a closed shop by 2:00 AM ... gosh I'm tired. Click here for additional photos of the weekend's activities.

And then there was one

For the first time ever, we have only one kid in K-12 this year. This of course is Mariah, getting ready for her first day of 8th grade ... Maranatha Christian Academy.

Go Jordon Go!

It's a huge day for Jordon as he begins his internship with Go Ministries. Here we are tucking him in at Go headquarters. Jordon will be playing bass and keyboard and performing dramas with Go's traveling ministry team. We are proud of you son!

Zacatecas Missions Outreach

Jordon and Mariah returned from an extensive missions outreach in Zacatecas, Mexico. Partnering with local believers, it became a life-changing experience for both of them. They shared their faith on the street and in dramatic presentations. Kudos to all our friends who supported them on this trip. The biggest challenge proved to be Hurricane Dolly which thoroughly snarled their return trip (which included a luxurious overnight at Houston's Intercontinental Airport).

Happy Birthday America!

Mariah did a terrific job solo piloting this 1965 Scorpion through the throngs gathered for this year's July 4th Parade. She even got her picture in the paper! Link here to learn a bit more about the festivities.

Puppy Land

Mariah beams as we pick-up the new member of the family, an Australian Terrier. Appropriately named Sydney, this little shaver promises to keep Mariah busy as her siblings are leaving our nest in the coming months. Two dogs in one house - yikes!

Graduation Season

My father and I join Jordon in celebration of his graduation from Maranatha Christian Academy. Congratulations Jordon! Next stop - Go Ministries!

Spring Formal

Even the Spring rains couldn't dampen Jordon and Ashton's spirits. They both looked wonderful for this year's formal, including a night of comedy, food, and riverboating!

The Ring Has Landed

Our son Brandon did the official ring reveal today - it is absolutely beautiful! The rest of the day was spent with family friend Gene who took a beautiful set of engagement photographs in the Centennial Lakes, Edina and Minneapolis Stone Arch Bridge areas. See 2008 for more photos!

Brie's New York Proposal

In storybook fashion, Brie’s long-time boyfriend popped the question during a “surprise” meeting in Central Park. Michael flew covertly to New York City while Starr and I (under the guise of a fictitious business trip) insured that Brie would be present at the famously romantic Gapstow Bridge for the prearranged time. Brie was shocked and delighted! Michael also arranged for professional photographer and family friend Gene to be present to record the magical day for all to enjoy. The remainder of the weekend featured high jinx and fun around the Big Apple, including a chance cameo in TLC's What Not to Wear television show and various close encounters with the Pope. We certainly ate well, with outings to New York's finest blue cheese fillet at Smith & Wollensky's, coal-fired pizza at Patsy's, a late night outing to celebrity haven and dessert mecca Serendipity 3 (following a moonlit carriage ride) and Sunday brunch at Brasserie 360. And who can forget those NY street vendors - yum. Check-out a few more photos in my 2008 New York Picasa album. The date is November 8, 2008 and the venues include Living Word Christian Church and the Semple Mansion. Oh, regarding the proposal - she said yes (of course). See Brie and Michael's ceremony web site. Two rings in two days and two weddings within six weeks this Fall - yikes! I'm happy ... but I think I have a headache.

State Tournament Action

Wow - what a run! My hometown Rangers of Section 2A made it all the way to the championship game of the Minnesota State High School Basketball Tournament this year. Perhaps Crosby-Ironton's best team ever, the Rangers finished with a record of 32-1, their only loss coming in the championship game at the Target Center. As hundreds of Ranger's past and present converged upon the Twin Cities, all three games of the state tournament became an impromptu all-class reunion. It was great to see so many old friends! Kudos to my nephew Sam for being part of this historic squad. Go C-I Go!

Big Sky Indeed

The long President's Day weekend brought another foray to God's country with friends and family. Three big resorts in three big days: Big Sky, Moonlight Basin, and the YC. The best weather and base in several years. Yee Haw! Thank goodness I've been doing those quad exercises. Mariah handled the headwalls like a tropper. Jordon disappeared into the timber. Starr looked groovy in her new outfit. Brie liked the shopping and I'm feeling like I need new all-mountain skis.

Homecoming 2008

Once again a ton of fun, Scorpion Homecoming just keeps on coming. It's so groovy, why stop? This photo features Mariah and Ashton on a Honda modified 1965 Trail-A-Sled Scorpion. This little wonder was the talk of this year's festivities.

We Have a Date

Well ... it's now official. Brandon and Jenna will be getting married September 20, 2008. We are blessed with a wonderful son and now an equally wonderful daughter-in-law. God is good. The ceremonies will be held at Weddings of Wayzata, a really neat venue in Orono. It's going to be a wonderful day and a glorious start to a new life together. Somehow, I feel a bit older today.